Blessed Hope Bible-Presbyterian Church
500 Upper Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore 678106
William MacDonald observed insightfully, “Paul’s personal note began with a passionate warning probably aimed at false teachers (cf. 12:3) whom he believed to be already present in the congregation (cf. 2 Cor. 11:3-4).”
In the letters that the Apostle Paul sends out to the churches or individuals, they are usually done by dictation. He would dictate and a fellow worker would write it down.
William MacDonald observed, “All the brethren in the assembly join in sending their loving greetings to their fellow believers in Corinth. The apostle enjoins his readers to greet one another with a holy kiss.”
William MacDonald observed well, “The churches of Asia refers to the congregations in the province of Asia (Asia Minor today), of which Ephesus was the capital.” Christian greetings conveying love and fellowship in the Lord.
The Apostle Paul received much joy in the fellowship of three from the church in Corinth who brought refreshing to him by their coming. He urged the church in Corinth to acknowledge the good work that they have wrought to strengthen himself and brought his greetings and prayers through them to the church in Corinth.
William MacDonald observed insightfully, “The coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus had brought joy to Paul’s heart. They supplied what was lacking on the part of the Corinthians.”
William MacDonald said well, “The apostle exhorts the Christians to submit to such, and to everyone who helps in the work and labours.”
The household of Stephanas, the earliest converts in Achaia, addicted themselves to serve the people of God. The word “ministry” means “service”. Their service toward the people of God permeated the spirit of God’s love in the hearts of many. The church gained its strength for outreach because of the zeal and love of these founding members of the church there.
Charity is the outworking of God’s love in the believer’s life. When we come to the faith, the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. It enables us to love God and love our fellow men. This love is unconditional and sacrificial. It is supernaturally given by God in the hearts of His people.
The church is Corinth is exhorted to be watchful, for their soul’s sake, for their spiritual well-being. They are exhorted to stand fast, to keep up in building themselves up spiritually. The spiritual enemies are lurking at the doors – the flesh, the world, and the devil. Three commands here – watch, stand fast and becoming strong. Build these spiritual habits!